The diary of a priest, being random thoughts and various things of possible interest from the founding pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Church in San Antonio, Texas.

11 June 2007

The "Minimum Profile of Formation..."

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued an outline of the basic requirements for the preparation of those men who are former Protestant ministers, and who now seek to offer themselves for priestly ministry in the Catholic Church. (See also my post containing the letter which accompanied this document.) The fact that this profile has been produced by the CDF and distributed to the bishops in the United States indicates that the Holy See is prepared to consider such requests. That, in itself, is a cause for hope and encouragement for those men who do not qualify for consideration under the Pastoral Provision for former Episcopalians.

Minimum Profile of Formation for Former Protestant Ministers Who Desire to Be Ordained Catholic Priests:

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in its task of assisting the bishops of the church to address the desire of former Protestant ministers who wish to be ordained Catholic priests, has prepared this minimum profile of formation for such candidates to the priesthood.

It is understood that former ministers of Protestant ecclesial communities require particular attention in their formation for Catholic priesthood, particularly as regards those areas of Catholic theology which would be lacking in their previous studies. The bishop, in his care for these candidates, must apply this minimum profile in the light of both the circumstances of the local church and the needs of the candidate (cf. John Paul II, Pastores Dabo Vobis, Ch. 5). The study resources listed, while fundamental, are not exhaustive.

Human Formation

Although many former Protestant ministers present themselves as candidates for the Catholic priesthood later in life and in some cases as married persons, the need for human formation is ever present. As the candidate is called in priestly ordination to be the living image of Jesus Christ, due attention to human formation will only assist the candidate in reflecting in his person the humanity of Jesus, the incarnate Son of God.

Intellectual Formation

- Philosophy

The study of philosophy is a crucial stage of intellectual formation for it leads the candidate to a deeper understanding of the human person, founds the dynamic relationship between faith and reason, and provides a vital context for understanding the mysteries of salvation which are the focus of theological studies. When assessing the previous academic preparation of former Protestant ministers, the bishop must evaluate his philosophical preparation to ensure that the candidate receives adequate formation in those areas which may be lacking in that previous preparation (resource: John Paul II, Fides et Ratio).

- Sacred Scripture

In addition to a proper focus on Old and New Testament theology and exegesis, former Protestant ministers should receive specific formation in Catholic hermeneutics. Such a formation would not only include an emphasis on the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, but also on the ecclesial context of the interpretation of sacred Scripture (resources: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Nos. 80-87, 101-141; Pontifical Biblical Commission, “The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church”).

- Dogmatic Theology

The intellectual formation of priests is based above all on the study of sacred doctrine. In the case of former Protestant ministers, the bishop must ensure that the study of theology gives particular attention to Christology, ecclesiology and Mariology. Additionally, the Petrine ministry, apostolic succession and the theology of the priesthood should be areas of special emphasis. Some references to the fathers of the church may be helpful for the candidates (resources: Catechism, Nos. 142-1065, Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Mater, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Dominus Iesus).

- Liturgical and Sacramental Theology

The sacramental ministry of priests continues Christ’s saving work in the church. It must be kept in mind that Catholic sacramental ministry is altogether different than the ministry for which most former Protestant ministers would have been prepared. The bishop should ensure that special attention is given to the theology of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the church’s life as well as to the sacraments of penance and anointing of the sick (resources: Catechism, Nos. 1066-1690; Pope John Paul II, Misericordia Dei).

- Moral Theology

As former Protestant ministers will have had some previous preparation in the area of moral theology, this formation should focus on the areas that are distinctive to Catholic moral teaching. An emphasis on the fundamentals of Catholic moral theology and the church’s understanding of human sexuality as well as the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching will be invaluable in confronting the complex moral issues of the day (resources: Catechism Nos. 1691-2557; Pope John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor and Evangelium Vitae, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Donum Vitae).

- Canon Law

For former Protestant ministers who seek to become Catholic priests the study of canon law is an area of particular concern in that it is largely without precedent in Protestant ecclesial communities. Special attention should be given to the canons concerning the Petrine ministry and which regulate marriage and the other sacraments (resources: Code of Canon Law, Sacra Disciplinae Leges).

Spiritual Formation

Formation in the spiritual life is intimately bound with the intellectual preparation for priesthood. The bishop should ensure that former Protestant ministers receive a formation in Catholic spirituality and devotional practices, with particular attention to eucharistic devotion and Marian devotion (resources: Catechism, Nos. 2558-2865; Pope Paul VI, Marialis Cultus; Congregation for Divine Worship, Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy).

Pastoral Formation

The preparation of all candidates for the priesthood has as its object to make them true shepherds after the example of Christ. Pastoral formation allows for the practical application of the mysteries studied in theology. In the case of former Protestant ministers, particular attention should be given to their preparation for the celebration of the sacraments and the direction of souls (resources: Congregation for the Clergy, Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests).

Duration

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith requires that former Protestant ministers should undergo a period of no less than three years of formation in Catholic theology. The purpose of this period of time is to give candidates the opportunity for a certain maturation in the Catholic faith that, through reading, coursework and discussion, candidates will internalize the tradition of the church.

Assessment

In order to assure that a candidate has the requisite scientia debita for ordination to the priesthood, the bishop should provide for an assessment of the candidate in each area of theological study, with particular reference to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. As an evaluative tool, as assessment or examination of the candidate should ensure that a satisfactory level of academic competency has been attained.

MASS SCHEDULE

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A little about me

Fr. Phillips is the founding pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church, the first Anglican Use parish, established on August 15, 1983.
Not that there is any confusion, but he is on the left, shown in his younger, less gray-headed days.

"With all my heart, I bless you and your people..."

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."